Rosie the Riveter WWII / Home Front National Historical Park

The World War II Home Front is a significant chapter in Americas history. Fully engaged in winning World War II, American women, minorities, and men worked toward a common goal in a manner that has been unequaled since. Women, who worked in defense industries, became known as "Rosie the Riveters", named after a popular song written in 1942, and had sweeping and lasting impacts.Richmond, California played a significant and nationally recognized part in the World War II Home Front. The four Richmond shipyards, with their combined 27 shipways, produced 747 ships, more than any other shipyard complex in the country. Richmond was home to 56 different war industries, more than any other city of its size in the United States. The city grew nearly overnight from 24,000 people to 100,000 people, overwhelming the available housing stock, roads, schools, businesses and community services.